Chandan and Vandan, a pair of forts near Bhuinj, is a unique place to visit. The twin forts which were probably built around 12th century during the Shilahara dynasty are still in good shape. A one-day trip from Pune is enough to explore these two forts.
History
The fort came under the Maratha rule quite late. Ahead of the coronation ceremony, Shivaji Maharaj captured these forts in 1673. Later, when Aurangzeb landed in Maharashtra, he took control of the forts in 1701 but within a few years, Chhatrapati Shahu again gained control of the forts in 1707. That was the last battle fought on these forts. During the Peshwa regime, it was mainly used as a watch tower and as a prison. Some documents claim that the Maratha’s navy commander Tuloji Angre was kept here as a prisoner for a few months. Later in 1818, the British captured these forts. Captain Ross destroyed most of the monuments and canons on the fort.
Stone pillar mystery
These forts have two unique elements. One is the Persian script carved near the main entrance of Vandan. However, nobody has translated the script. The second element is stone pillars. At the entrance of the Chandan fort, some oddly shaped huge stones are kept without any construction. It is said that the stones were kept while the forts were built in 12th century. It remains a mystery why these stones were kept like these and how the construction workers managed to balance these stones and how it has remained undisturbed for several centuries, while everything else has been destroyed.
{{/usCountry}}These forts have two unique elements. One is the Persian script carved near the main entrance of Vandan. However, nobody has translated the script. The second element is stone pillars. At the entrance of the Chandan fort, some oddly shaped huge stones are kept without any construction. It is said that the stones were kept while the forts were built in 12th century. It remains a mystery why these stones were kept like these and how the construction workers managed to balance these stones and how it has remained undisturbed for several centuries, while everything else has been destroyed.
{{/usCountry}}Ways To Reach
Kikali village is at a distance of about 20-m from Bhuinj. Several buses are available from Wai and Satara for the village. Belmachi is a small settlement at the base of the forts. From here, a road leads up to the forts. On the left side, lies Chandan fort while on the right side is the Vandan fort.
Chandan-Vandan Fort
What – Mysterious stone pillars
Where – Near to Satara, 110 kms from Pune
When – 6 am to 10 pm